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      Sarina Wiegman praises Keira Walsh’s first England goal after wonder strike against Belgium

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hailed Keira Walsh for breaking her England goal duck after the Lionesses thrashed Belgium on Friday night.  The Chelsea ace lashed a shot from distance on her 83rd senior appearance with the visitors falling to a 5-0 defeat in Bristol in the Nations League. Keira Walsh opened her England goals account with a superb strike following a foul on team-mate Jess ParkCredit: PAWalsh’s team-mates Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones also netted with Beever scoring her first senior England goalCredit: GettyAlong with Beth Mead, Lauren James also impressed in England’s attack with both forwards registering assistsCredit: AlamyHer club and country pals Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Aggie Beever-Jones were also on target during the convincing victory at Ashton Gate.The win saw the hosts remain top of group three in League A with Spain second following their 3-2 toppling of Portugal.  It also saw them fire another warning to their Euros rivals with the European champions hoping to retain their title when this year’s tournament begins in July in Switzerland. Of her first England goal and the team’s performance, Walsh told ITV Sport: “It took a big deflection but a goal is a goal. Read More Football Stories“All the girls are super happy for me which is a really nice feeling. “I finally got one in the end. A few of them like to remind me how long it’s taken me but I’m over the moon and it’s really good to be off the mark.Following her side’s second win in three Nations League outings this year, Wiegman mentioned her hope to see Walsh have more attempts on goal. The England boss added: “I was very happy for her because we want her to shoot more. Most read in Football“She has a very good shot and we want her to get higher up the pitch which she did. “Now we are joking, it’s our own-goal! But it’s her goal so I’m very happy for her.”Wiegman’s side were without the services of Chloe Kelly with the in-form forward joining her national team’s list of crocked stars. On Thursday the England boss revealed Fran Kirby and Kelly would miss last night’s game due to niggles. And less than two hours before kick-off it was announced Kelly would be returning to her Arsenal, where she is loan from Manchester City for treatment on a foot injury  This means Kelly will also miss England’s away duel with Belgium on Tuesday.  And the Gunners are likely to be sweating on her fitness before their mammoth Champions League first-leg semis clash with Lyon on April 27.  With Kelly absent Wiegman turned to fit-again Beth Mead who played in a front three with striker Alessia Russo and Lauren James. England began brightly causing problems with their threat from set-pieces Forward James was among the players who impressed with few of her crosses into the box wreaking havoc. Her fine lofted delivery found Bronze in the box with the right-back, making her 130th appearance,, glancing a 21st-minute header beyond Belgium keeper Nicky Evrard.Belgium were undone again by another dangerous delivery to a Chelsea and England player.This time centre-back Bright was there to bundle the ball home on the stroke of half-time. The visitors shuffled their deck in the second-half in the hope of upping their game in midfield with Feli Delacauw replacing Kassandra Missipo. And the Belgian midfielder had a strike deflected onto the roof of the net in the 66th minute. Sarina Wiegman will targeting another victory when England visit Belgium in Leuven on April 8 for their second Nations League clash with them this monthCredit: ReutersHowever any hope of the visitors trying to get anything from this game were blown away by cameo appearances from two rising Lionesses stars. Read More on The Sun Beever-Jones made it 3-0 with Mead laying the ball for her to tap in her first senior England goal with 23 minutes of normal time remaining. And Jess Park made it 4-0 soon after with a slotted finish before Walsh’s thumped shot from distance rounded off the rout. More

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      Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson reckon Women’s World Cup in the UK could push game to new level

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      LIONESSES boss Sarina Wiegman says the UK landing the 2035 Women’s World Cup will take the female game to another level.Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the England-led Home Nations plan was the “one valid bid” to host a tournament set to be expanded to 48 teams.Leah Williamson says the UK hosting a Women’s World Cup could be an opportunity to show home nations care for women’s footballCredit: GettyGianni Infantino revealed the UK was the only bidder that submitted an expression of interest to Fifa before its deadlineCredit: AlamyWindsor Park in Belfast could be among the potential venues for matchesCredit: SportsfileFormal confirmation will come when the official bid book, including up to 16 stadiums across all four countries, is sent to Fifa in November.But that will be a formality and Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro glory in 2022, said a World Cup on British and Northern Irish soil was a game-changer.Wiegman said: “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country but also worldwide. “Hosting another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and will give another boost to the game. Read More Football Stories”It’s an even bigger stage. It’s the biggest female event we have in the world.”England skipper Leah Williamson added: “I’m proud to have been a part of such a good show for women’s football at the Euros. “The commitment from the FA, the conversations that we’re in all the time about how we push the game on –  I think 2022 was a great demonstration of that intent. “To follow up with a World Cup bid says a lot about how much we care about women’s football here on home soil but then also globally as well.”Most read in FootballWilliamson’s former Arsenal and England team-mate Alex Scott says the idea of Women’s World Cup taking place across the UK, brings back memories of London hosting the Olympics 13 years ago. The BBC Sports presenter and pundit said: “When I go back to when we hosted the Olympics in 2012, that was one of our first times walking out Wembley – as Team GB – with 70,000 people there. “That was a historic moment for us, so you fast-forward and you’re thinking about what that can do for people coming into the stadiums, being inspired and cheering on their team.”It would be absolutely epic.”The success of the bid was a victory for the quiet diplomacy of the FA high command, led by chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham, who have repaired relations with Infantino after the “One Love” armband row at the 2022 World Cup.Infantino confirmed Fifa plans to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 – matching the growth of the men’s World Cup – from the 2031 edition which will be held in the USA, with the world body likely to rule all four host nations will qualify automatically.Unlike Euros 2028, when Northern Ireland was unable to come up with a venue big enough, minimum stadium capacities of 20,000 mean Belfast’s Windsor Park can be used for the tournament.A formal list of stadiums will be drafted over the next few months, with Wrexham likely to want to join Cardiff in hosting Welsh matches and Edinburgh and Aberdeen potential Scottish options as well as Glasgow.The last major women’s football tournament to take place on British soil was the 2022 Women’s Euros hostedCredit: GettyGrounds across England will be considered with the FA aiming to ensure it is a national celebration of the women’s game.Read More on The SunBullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder. Hosting the first Fifa World Cup since 1966 with our Home Nations partners will be very special.”That hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.” More

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      UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

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      THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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      Marc Skinner extends reign as Manchester United Women’s boss with aim to consistently challenge for trophies

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      MARC SKINNER says there is “more hard work ahead” for Manchester United with his aim to build a team regularly battling silverware. Earlier today United announced Skinner has extended his reign as boss of their Women’s Super League side. Marc Skinner hopes to guide Man United to more trophy wins after signing a new contract to remain at the helm of their WSL sideCredit: PAThe Red Devils boss’s new deal will run until June 2027 with the option to extend for a further yearCredit: PAMan United have lifted one trophy since Skinner took charge in 2021 with the team’s triumph over in last year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PAThe Red Devils head coach has signed a new contract that will see him remain in charge of their women’s team until June 2027 with the option of an extension for an extra year.   The previous deal for Skinner, whose team are currently third in the league, was due to expire at the end of this season. His new contract comes 14 months after he guided the side to a Women’s FA Cup win for the first time in their history after a 4-0 trouncing of Tottenham  The Man United manager, who previously managed US club Orlando Pride said: said: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years.Read More Football Stories”I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.”We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. “There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed. “I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”Most read in FootballFollowing his appointment in 2021 Skinner guided to a second place finish in the WSL in the 2022-23 season and entering the Champions League the following term.However United did not progress beyond the qualifying stage that season and missed on European competition after finishing fifth. At times within the past four years Skinner has come under pressure from United supporters with some questioning his reign and the club’s achievements. One fan was spotted holding a “Skinner out” sign last November during the team’s 1-0 away loss to league leaders Chelsea in a top-flight encounter. Despite this pressure, Skinner’s side has one of the best defensive records in the WSL this term with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce keeping 12 clean sheets in 18 games. His side are also third, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and occupying one of the three qualifying spots for next term’s Champions League. And they hope to reach the FA Cup final for a second year in a row with the team battling Man City in the semis on April 13. Skinner’s side will take on Man City in this year’s FA Cup semis with the victor set to face Chelsea or Liverpool in the finalCredit: PAMan United technical director Jason Wilcox, said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL. Read More on The Sun”After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success. “We are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead thatprocess.” More

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      Chloe Kelly insists there is ‘more to come’ from her as England resume Euros title defence preparations

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      CHLOE KELLY is not thinking “too much” about her club future despite the Arsenal loan star’s contract with Manchester City expiring in June. Instead her focus is on being in the best place “mentally and physically” with the Gunners and Lionesses vying for major honours.Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead could be in line to start for England when they play Belgium in the Nations League on April 4Kelly’s recent form on loan for Arsenal led to her earning an England recall ahead of the team’s clashes with Belgium this monthKelly and England striker Alessia Russo shone for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarters with the Gunners due to take on Lyon in the semi-finalsSince her January return to Arsenal, where she began her pro career at 17, Kelly, 27, has flourished alongside England pals Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. High points for the forward include delivering two class assists in a three-goal drubbing of Real Madrid with the team dumped out of the Champions League quarters. Efforts include her pinpoint cross for a shot drilled home by Gunners striker Russo.Like Russo, Mead and Williamson, Kelly is in the running to start against Belgium when England play their third Nations League game on Friday 4 April.Read More Football Stories This is a far cry from the first half of this term with Kelly making one start in six City WSL games and initially being left out of England’s squad in February. Two months after her tumultuous exit on loan from City, came a Lionesses recall for the forward who now plays “with a smile”. The 50-capped Lioness said:  “It’s really important as a human being that you get that smile on your face. “That’s nothing to do with being a footballer, it’s just as a human because that’s important. Most read in Football”I’m definitely smiling more, I feel really good.“Right now I’m playing plenty of minutes, enjoying my football and I’m really learning under (Arsenal boss) Renee (Slegers). “Now I’m here (with England) I have another opportunity to represent my country which is a huge honour.”There’s definitely more to come from me.”I’m a player who wants to learn and always wants to get better and I’m probably my own worst critic.”There are going to be games where I might not be my best, but it’s really important that I take that step to becoming the best version of myself.”With the July 5th start of England’s bid to retain their European Championship title fast approaching, questions have arisen concerning Kelly’s future beyond her Arsenal loan. However, the forward, who scored the Lionesses’ tournament-winning goal at Wembley three years ago is not looking too far ahead. Kelly adds: “I don’t think about it too much. I take each day as it comes and work hard to put myself in the best possible place for the next day.”That’s really important and I don’t look too far ahead in anything. “I’m just having fun at the minute, enjoying myself and back down in London with my family spending a lot of time with them. “I’m really appreciating the little things in life.”The first of England’s two Nations League duels with Belgium could see Kelly feature alongside Russo and forward Mead this Friday. The reverse fixture will take place in Leuven on Tuesday April 6The trio were last in action together on March 30 against Crystal Palace in the WSL, with Mead netting twice and Russo also scoring in the 4-0 Arsenal victory. Kelly said: “Growing that connection is really important and the connection off the pitch as well as on it.””By pushing myself every day I can learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score and Beth as well. “She’s a great friend of mine – Beth.England hope to beat Belgium home and away and stay undefeated in the Nations League as they continue preparations for this year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty”When you have that competition it allows you to be at your best every day.Read More on The Sun”And you can push each other in moments as well so that’s really important.”There’s so much we can learn from each other.” More

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      Alisha Lehmann opens up on her dating history and relationship with female team-mate before Douglas Luiz

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has opened up about her previous relationship with team-mate Ramona Bachmann.The former West Ham and Aston Villa Women’s star now dates Douglas Luiz, who she met at Villa Park.Alisha Lehmann has opened up on a past relationshipCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7The Juventus star dated team-mate Ramona Bachmann for a yearCredit: InstagramThe pair both play for SwitzerlandLehmann is now in a relationship with Douglas LuizCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann came out as bisexual a few years agoCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann has dated men and women in the past, including Switzerland team-mate Bachmann.Their relationship was documented in BBC Three show Britain’s Youngest Football Boss.They first met in 2018 when Lehmann played for West Ham and Bachmann was at Chelsea, and began dating in 2021.Reflecting on the relationship, Lehmann told Marca: “It’s 2025. I think everyone can date whoever they want and be with whoever they want. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s important to open your mind and stop seeing this as a problem and instead see it as progress.”Be who you are and who you want to be. Love is love. It’s simple.”The relationship lasted a year and Lehmann started dating Luiz shortly after the split.The pair played for Villa for several years before the opportunity to both move to Juventus arose last summer.Most read in FootballJuventus reportedly paid £60million for the pair and Lehmann revealed it was a joint decision made by the couple.She said: “I don’t know who convinced whom, it just happened.”Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League team Lehmann has dated Luiz since 2022Credit: Instagram @tezenisofficial More

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      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman facing ‘hard decision’ over England goalkeeper choice ahead of push to retain Euros crown

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits deciding who will be England’s first choice goalkeeper for this year’s Euros is a very “tough decision”.  Khiara Keating, 20, is among four stoppers called up ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League clashes with Belgium next month. Khiara Keating has returned to the England squad for the first time since their Nations League defeat and draw with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: GettyMaisie Symonds has received her first call-up to the Lionesses senior squad after featuring in England Under-23’s wins against Germany and FranceCredit: AlamySarina Wiegman side will take on Belgium on April 4 at Ashton Gate and in Leuven on April 8Credit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet’s recall announced today, after an eight-month absence, follows her return to top-flight action. And Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds has received her first senior international call-up.  In February Symonds and Keating starred England’s Under-23’s friendly wins against Germany and France Keating, who is yet to make her senior England debut, pulled off some standout saves during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 23. Read More Football StoriesHowever the WSL star, who was named player-of-the-match, has faced a battle for minutes this term with Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita also starring for City. This season Keating, who won the top tier’s Golden Glove last year, has so far started in seven of her club’s 17 WSL games.England boss Wiegman, 55, said: “She’s a very talented goalkeeper. We saw that again last weekend. “We’re getting closer to the Euros and so looking at this camp now we’re bringing in four goalkeepers.Most read in Football”In the tournament you can only bring three and we just want to have those four in our squad next week.”In addition to Keating, Wiegman has named Mary Earps, 32, and Hannah Hampton, 24, in her 25-strong group, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse. Chelsea’s Hampton and Earps, who plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain are both seen as solid number one contenders.In February Earps played in goal during England’s 1-1 away draw with Portugal in the Nations League. Meanwhile Hampton featured in their 1-0 defeat of Spain at Wembley, their first clash with the world champions since their meeting in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023.  Wiegman adds: “It’s a very, very hard decision to make, because now we have four very good goalkeepers. “You’re talking about Hannah and Mary who are really competing for the number-one position. They’re both world-class. “They both bring different things, but that makes it really hard.”We haven’t decided. If we make the decision, we’ll first have the conversations with them. Then we move forward.”England’s bid to retain the Euros title which they won in 2022 comes six weeks after the start of a new seven-a-side women’s football competition. The World Seven Series competition, which will commence in Europe, is reportedly set to involve eight teams. Clubs taking part in the contest, which is also due to be held in a different continent later this year, are yet to be named. The winning sides in each competition will be awarded £1.9million in prize money. World Seven Series matches will take place just over a month after England’s double header Nations League duel with Belgium on April 4th and 8th. On July 5 the Lionesses begin their Euros campaign when they take on France in Zurich, Switzerland. On if she has concerns about the contest taking place weeks before the Euros, Wiegman added:  “I think in the longer term, you see the planning a bit, I don’t see how you can get that (to) fit in the schedule. “For some players, I think when they play and there’s collaboration with clubs, we have a very good contact with clubs, they would get some, I would say, meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros. “Then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad, but in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection includes Beth Mead and Fran Kirby with the duo set for international duty following their returns from injury. Fran Kirby has scored five goals in 12 WSL games for Brighton this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Chloe Kelly has also been named among the six forwards in the group which includes Nikita Parris. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe England chief said: “Fran brings lots of experience and good football vision. “In her position there is a lot of competition but she knows exactly what’s expected at this level.” More